England all-rounder Sam Curran on Friday became the most expensive player bought by the IPL.
The Punjab Kings paid 185 million rupees ($2.23-million) to bring him back to his debut team.
“Back to where it all started! Looking forward to it,” Curran wrote on Twitter.
Curran set a local currency record, surpassing former Proteas all-rounder Chris Morris, who was snatched up by Rajasthan Royals for 162.5 million rupees in 2021.
Morris’ deal was worth $2.25-million at the time but the Indian currency has stumbled in recent months on the back of inflation and global economic headwinds.
Curran was Player of the Tournament in this year’s T20 World Cup after his skills as a death bowler closing down opposition batsmen in the final overs turned him into a potent weapon for England.
The left-arm quick and attacking middle-order batsman had a successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings but parted ways after a back injury and missed the 2022 edition.
“He is a world-class player. He will play in any world XI, any of the top teams, he is that good,” said Kings director Ness Wadia.
“He is probably one of the best all-rounders in the world if not the best all-rounder. He brings a good balance to the team.”
Australia’s Cameron Green was the second-most expensive buy after the Mumbai Indians forked out 175 million rupees ($2.11-million) following an intense bidding war.
“I’m pinching myself that this has all happened. It’s such a weird feeling watching an auction for yourself,” said Green.
“The Mumbai Indians are one of the powerhouses of the competition so I feel very humbled to be joining them.”
England Test skipper Ben Stokes was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for 162 million rupees ($1.96 million).
The big-hitting left-hand batsman and dangerous right-arm seam bowler last played the IPL in 2021, when he left midway due to injury, and opted out of this year’s edition.
West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Nicholas Pooran was sold to the Lucknow Super Giants for 160 million rupees ($1.93-million).
Up-and-coming England batsman Harry Brook, who impressed recently with his exploits on the recent tour of Pakistan, was bought by the Sunrisers Hyderabad for 132 million rupees ($1.6-million).
“He is young, he’s exciting, he loves finishing games off and that’s something that any team would want,” said Sunrisers head coach Brian Lara.
“Yes, it’s his first IPL but he has played in Asian conditions, he loves Asian conditions, and I believe he’s going to be one of the most valuable players in the future.”
